Elsie Ezinnwa Nwoko: An Art Music Composer and Music Education Practioner

Abstract

An art music composer as the term imply refers to a person or persons who were academically or formally trained in the art and techniques involved in music composition.  These categories of composers are broadly divided into two – those whose compositional styles reflect that of western classical music and those whose creative styles seek to leave imprints of Africanness on their works.  On the other   hand, a music education practitioner is one who had had formal training in the field of music education conceptually, theoretically and practically – who in turn trains and or transmit musical knowledge to learners.  In other words, a music education practitioner could be called a music educator.  In Nigeria today abounds art music composers and music education practitioners.  Examples are professor J.H.K, Nketia, T.K.E, Philips, professor Omibiyi-Obidike, Ephraim Amu, professor W.W.C, Echezona, Fela Sowande, professor Richard Okafor to mention a few. This paper focuses on Elsie E. Nwoko as one of the founding fathers of African musical arts education in Nigeria. The topic shall be examined under the following headings: Elsie Nwoko’s biographical data, Elsie Nwoko as an art music composer and music educator, her works and contributions to African musical arts education and conclusion.  In order to achieve the objective of this paper, related materials were perused and reviewed.  Oral interview and random sampling methods were also employed.